cadanino inc

We serve vulnerable children through afterschool enrichment programs that help them discover their interests, develop their abilities, and use them to their greatest potential.
Our current focus is Guatemala. We operate two Community Impact Centers that staffed by 15 local teachers from the communities we serve. Two hundred twenty students are enrolled in our programs, which include STEM learning, computer training, programming and coding classes, tutoring and academic reinforcement, reading assistance, nutritional assistance, and personal development coaching.
We meet vulnerable students where they are at, with the resources they need, and provide a safe place to learn, away from gangs, drugs, and violence. The skills they learn and the confidence they gain in our programs empower them to break the cycles of poverty into which they are born.
Key to our success is our technology training program. Utilizing google classroom, we have developed a suite of training courses that guides students who have never touched a computer through typing, introduction to computing, proficiency in office applications, and started them learning to code in Java and Python.
Our courses leverage short-form video lessons that students repeat, followed by short exams enabling students to progress at their own pace and advance rapidly.
Working with marginalized communities, we strongly emphasize equal opportunity, ensuring that girls are provided equal opportunities to learn STEM skills.
We have also seen great success in helping students develop critical thinking skills through board games, which is rare within this demographic, and most youths in our program are now playing chess. 
Since starting our first program with one volunteer teacher and 35 students in 2016 in Colonia Santa, one of the infamous "Red Zones" of Guatemala, we have seen incredible results in the lives of those we serve, students stay in school longer, get better grades, in 2022 %21 of our students made the honor roll in their schools, and two of our high-school graduates were accepted into university.
In 2022 we taught: 1,006 STEM, Reinforcement, & Tutoring Classes, 1,132 Computer Classes, and 107 English Classes. Students completed 231 Computer Courses and Read 1,493 Books.

Founder and president of Cadanino with 20 years working in Guatemala serving vulnerable and at-risk children and youth. Executive director of the non-profit.

Launched the Cadanino Community Impact Centers in Guatemalan.

Led development and implementation of our IT training program that has given hundreds of students the opportunity learn computer skills.

Fundraiser and advocate for Cadanino.

Our board of directors is actively committed to improving the quality of our programs and we have developed a local board of advocates in Guatemala who work in technology and are passionate about helping us grown our programs.

Refine and improve our computer training courses to serve vulnerable students by empowering them with IT skills

The lack of computer training and STEM learning for underprivileged children in developing countries is a significant problem with far-reaching implications. Computer education and technology access have become essential for personal and professional growth in today's increasingly digital world. However, several key issues contribute to the existing gap.

One of the primary challenges many schools in developing countries face financial constraints, making it challenging to invest in computers, software, and training materials. The high costs associated with procuring and maintaining computer equipment create barriers to establishing computer labs or providing individual access to devices. This lack of resources further exacerbates the digital divide for underprivileged children. Even when equipment is available a need for qualified teachers proficient in computer skills and effective pedagogy. Effective computer training curricula that can take students with limited exposure to technology and maintain their interest while providing instruction often need to be made available.

A lack of trained educators and the need for teachers to receive ongoing professional development opportunities is essential to ensure quality computer education. However, the need for more skilled teachers hampers the delivery of effective computer training programs.
Language and local relevance also contribute to the problem. Computer training resources and software are often available in languages that may not be widely spoken in developing countries. This language barrier limits access to relevant and tailored computer education materials. Moreover, the content may need to address local needs and realities, hindering the effectiveness of computer training programs.
Additionally, there is a notable gender disparity in computer training opportunities. Cultural norms, societal expectations, and biases often discourage girls and young women from pursuing computer education. This gender gap perpetuates inequality and limits the representation of women in technology-related fields.
The lack of computer training for underprivileged children in developing countries is a multifaceted problem, encompassing challenges related to infrastructure, resources, teacher capacity, language barriers, and gender disparities. Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts and comprehensive strategies beyond what  has implemented to date to ensure that all children have access to computer education and the skills necessary to thrive in the digital age.

Cadaniño serves vulnerable children in Guatemala through afterschool programs at our Community Impact Centers. Our mission is to life-changing impact on these children in marginalized communities. Many face socioeconomic barriers and limited opportunities. Our programs provide a safe place to learn and teachers who equip them with the tools, skills, and support to overcome obstacles and build a brighter future.
Computer training and STEM education play a crucial role. Introducing STEM concepts and technical skills opens doors of opportunity previously inaccessible to them. These skills are relevant in today's digital age and empower them to pursue higher education, secure better employment, and break the cycle of poverty.
Our computer training curriculum guides students through courses on typing, office applications, graphics design, coding, and programming. Using a self-learning model, students progress independently while instructors assist. Within a year, students advance from having no computer skills to learning basic coding.
Hiring local teachers from the communities we serve contributes to our success. They understand student needs and are trusted by the parents.
Our centers provide a safe and nurturing space, offering positive role models, mentors, and a supportive community. Through STEM and computer training, we equip children with technical skills and instill values such as problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance—essential for success in life.
Every child deserves equal access to quality education and opportunities. Our afterschool programs bridge the educational gap, tailoring to the specific needs of marginalized children. We incorporate regular STEM classes, allowing students to learn hands-on with tools like Snap Circuits, MECANNO kits, and K'NEX, fostering their interest in technology and nurturing problem-solving skills.
STEM and computer training impact children beyond academics. They inspire dreams and a love for learning and ignite a passion for exploration. Students develop a growth mindset, realize their potential, and gain confidence. They become agents of change within their families, communities, and society.
Our focus on math helps students level up to their grade level and supplement learning with Khan Academy math classes for independent growth. Computer training also improves students' grades by teaching them how to use the internet for learning, enabling academic success.
At Cadaniño, we break the cycle of poverty and empower vulnerable children to reach their full potential. Through STEM and computer training, we shape their academic trajectories and transform their lives, providing the tools for a better future.
Last year, our 200 students completed 231 computer courses, and 23% of them made the honor roll—a remarkable accomplishment. With six years of experience, we continuously improve our program. Graduates pursue higher education and internships at technology companies. We are ready to replicate our success in other locations and serve more needy students.

To date we have evaluated the effectiveness of our program based on the following criteria:

Tracking students grades.

Student progress through our computer training programs.

One on one evaluations of students by our teachers.

Students staying in school as opposed to dropping out.

Discussions with students parents.

Surveys with parents.

Our research has been largely based on direct communication with our students and their parents as well as discussions with educators from the schools our students attend.

While we have utilized surveys with the parents to understand our students needs, and tracked students grades, we have not had the time or resources to conduct in depth studies with the data.

That is the main reason we are applying for this challenge. Over the course of six years we have developed and refined a program it is showing some incredible results, but we need a way to better understand and quantify the results.

Strengthening the evidence base of our solution is crucial for the work we are doing. We need to better gather data to support the effectiveness and impact of our programs on vulnerable children in Guatemala and will serve multiple purposes:

1. Evaluation and Accountability: Rigorous evaluation allows us to assess program effectiveness and efficiency. By measuring outcomes and impacts, we can identify strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring stakeholder accountability.
2. Continuous Improvement: Strengthening the evidence base helps refine program design and make informed decisions. Evidence-based insights allow us to adapt interventions to address specific needs and challenges better. Regular monitoring and evaluation drive continuous improvement.
3. Scaling and Replication: A solid evidence base enables us to share success stories and lessons learned. By providing evidence of effectiveness, we can advocate for support, funding, and partnerships to expand our reach and replicate our model in other locations.
4. Sustainability and Funding: A robust evidence base is essential for securing sustainable funding. Donors increasingly require evidence of impact. Building a solid evidence base increases our credibility, influencing funding decisions and ensuring program sustainability.

By implementing rigorous monitoring and evaluation processes to strengthen the evidence base, including assessments, data collection, and robust methodologies, we can ensure comprehensive evaluations through collaboration with research institutions and experts.

We are committed to establishing robust data management systems for accurate tracking and analysis. Regular reporting and dissemination will effectively share our impact with stakeholders and the wider community. Strengthening the evidence base enhances our credibility, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

We believe that research and evaluation are essential for continuous learning and making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children in Guatemala.

What is the long-term impact of Cadaniño's afterschool programs on the academic achievement and overall well-being of vulnerable children in marginalized communities?

1. How does integrating computer training and STEM education in Cadaniño's curriculum contribute to developing technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking among participating students?
2. What are the key factors and strategies within Cadaniño's programs that have successfully broken the cycle of poverty and empowered vulnerable children to pursue higher education and secure better employment prospects?

1. Research Recommendations: Practical recommendations based on evaluation methodologies and evidence-based practices.
2. Evaluation Framework: Development of a practical evaluation framework for our programs.
3. Data Management Systems: Guidance in implementing data management systems for accurate tracking and analysis.
4. Defining of Key Performance Indicators: Insight on the key metrics we should be tracking.
5. Reporting and Dissemination: Advice on creating concise reports and presentations to share program impact.

These outputs strengthen Cadaniño's evidence base, improve program outcomes, and expand its impact on vulnerable children.

Cadaniño is committed to putting the recommendations received through the LEAP Challenge into action by implementing the following strategies:

1. Integration into Program Design: The research recommendations will be carefully examined and integrated into the design and planning of Cadaniño's programs. This involves incorporating evidence-based practices and evaluation methodologies into the curriculum, activities, and overall program structure.
2. Capacity Building: Cadaniño will invest in training and capacity building for its staff members to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to implement the recommended strategies effectively. This may include workshops, professional development sessions, and ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition and successful implementation.
3. Adaptation of Data Management Systems: Cadaniño will revise and adapt its data management systems based on the recommendations received. This may involve upgrading technology infrastructure, streamlining data collection processes, and improving data analysis capabilities to ensure accurate program outcome tracking, analysis, and reporting.
4. Communication and Collaboration: Cadaniño will foster open lines of communication and collaboration among its team members, stakeholders, and partners to share and discuss the research recommendations. Regular meetings, feedback sessions, and collaborative discussions will ensure a collective understanding and commitment to implementing the recommendations.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Cadaniño will establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness and impact of the recommended strategies. This involves defining clear indicators, implementing data collection methods, and analyzing data to track progress and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
6. Reflection and Adaptation: Cadaniño will continuously reflect on implementing the recommendations and assess their effectiveness. This includes gathering participant feedback, conducting internal evaluations, and making necessary adjustments and adaptations based on the insights gained.
7. Documentation and Reporting: Cadaniño will document and report the actions based on the research recommendations. This includes keeping detailed records of the implementation process, collecting relevant data and evidence, and sharing progress and outcomes with stakeholders, funders, and the wider community.

By actively putting the recommendations into action, Cadaniño aims to enhance its programs, strengthen its evidence base, and ultimately improve outcomes for vulnerable children in Guatemala. The organization remains dedicated to continuous learning, adaptation, and excellence in providing effective educational solutions for those it serves.

Short-Term Outcomes:

1. Increased participation: A desired short-term outcome is an increase in vulnerable children participating in after-school programs like Cadaniño's. This indicates that more children from marginalized communities are accessing educational opportunities and benefiting from the program's support.
2. Improved academic performance: Another short-term outcome is to witness an improvement in the academic performance of participating students. This can be measured through increased test scores, improved grades, and positive feedback from teachers and parents.
3. Enhanced technical skills: Cadaniño aims to equip students with essential technical skills through computer training and STEM education. A desired short-term outcome is to observe students developing their technical abilities, such as proficiency in using computers, software applications, and problem-solving skills in STEM-related activities.

Long-Term Outcomes:

1. Break the cycle of poverty: Cadaniño aims to have a long-term impact on the lives of vulnerable children, breaking the cycle of poverty in their communities. A desired outcome is to see students completing their education, pursuing higher education or vocational training, and securing better employment opportunities that provide economic stability and a pathway out of poverty.
2. Empowered individuals: Cadaniño seeks to empower students to become agents of change in their communities. A desired long-term outcome is to witness students becoming confident, resilient, and socially conscious individuals who actively contribute to the well-